Grading Morgan Silver Dollars

Minted from 1878 - 1904, 1921

Grading coins is a science and art, especially at the higher uncirculated grades. Even the best third party grading companies have different views on the same coin. That being said, it is to a collector's advantage to learn how to grade coins accurately. If you learn how to grade, the opportunity to find a special overlooked coin is vastly improved.

This guide is specific to grading Morgan Silver Dollars. This guide is meant as an overview, the best way to learn how to grade it to look at as many Morgan dollars as you can get your hands on, and read some of the great book resources written about Morgan Silver Dollars.

If you find this guide helpful, please vote yes at the bottom of this page. If you have a suggestion on how we can improve this guide or additional information about grading Morgan silver dollars please contact us through the eBay system by clicking our feedback score above or clicking here.

Poor - PO-1
Heavily worn, the date must be visible, legends are readable but may have spots that are not. Rims are worn off.

Fair - FR-2
Worn with some details visible such as a part of the ear on liberty. Rims are worn off.

About Good - AG-3
Most lettering is visible and readable, rims are worn.

Good - G-6
Lettering is full and easy to read, rims are complete but have minimal to no detail.

Very Good - VG-20
Heavy wear is evident on the entire coin surface. The coin will have full rims, but most of the fine detail will be missing from wear.




Fine - F-15
Fine shows moderate to heavy even wear. The entire design is clear and bold. The hairline along the face is clearly defined. The eagles head, neck and breast are flat.

Very Fine - VF-35
About two thirds of the hair on Liberty’s head can be seen, Liberty’s ear is well defined. The feathers on the eagles chest are worn with no detail. Feathers on wings are worn but show some detail.

Extra Fine - EF-40
Moderate wear is visible on the higher points of the coin, and the luster is mostly gone, remaining only in protected areas near the rim or raised devices. Most of the coins details will still be sharp.





About Uncirculated - AU-58
Light wear is visible on the high points of the coin, and the luster is not full. The fields of the coin will exhibit light circulation marks from contact with fingers, counter tops, keys, etc. Only the high points of the coin will be affected by wear, the remainder of the coins details will be sharp.

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-60
No wear on the coin. Coin may have significant problems, including poor luster, heavy contact marks, a weak strike, and/or numerous hairlines or defects. The coin may not exhibit any signs of wear on the high points, and should not be so heavily marked that it is considered damaged.

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-61
No wear. Multiple heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-62
No wear. Slightly less marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-63
Coin may have luster ranging from full and original to slightly below average. Strike may be weak, and contact marks may be noticeable. However, you should not have an MS-63 with poor luster, a poor strike AND numerous contact marks, as such a coin would grade lower.

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-64
Few marks/hairlines or a couple of severe ones, strike should be average or above

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-65
Coin must possess full original luster, with a sharp strike and nice overall eye appeal. Any marks, hairlines or defects will be minor, not noticeably detracting.



Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-66
Few minor marks/hairlines not in focal areas, good strike


Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-67
Virtually as struck with minor imperfections, very well struck


Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-68
Virtually as struck with slight imperfections, slightest weakness of strike allowed

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-69
Virtually as struck with minuscule imperfections, near full strike necessary

Mint/Proof State - MS/PR-70
A perfect coin with no wear, marks or other blemishes, must be a full detailed strike.

In addition to this scale, some Morgan silver dollars receive a special designation from the grading companies. The two designations and explanation follow:

Proof like – PL
This is a coin that has reflective mirror like fields but the reflection is somewhat blurry.

Deep Mirror Prooflike – DMPL or DPL
This is a coin that has a reflective mirror like field that has a sharper reflection in the mirror quality.

To see the current eBay listings of collectible books and coins from Extraordinary Things LLC click here.